Exercise Science MS

Prepare for multiple career paths in the health sciences with our research-based master's degree.

Thesis and Comprehensive Exam Options

Choose from two options:

With the thesis option, you’ll conduct an independent research study and defend it with a thesis. Select this option if you want to gain research experience or if you plan to continue your graduate education after completing your master’s degree.

With the comprehensive exam option, you’ll participate in a research program and a practicum. Select this option if you plan to conclude your graduate study with the completion of your master’s degree, or to continue in a professional degree program such as medicine, physical therapy or chiropractic.

Applied Physiology Specialization

The applied physiology specialization within our master’s program provides you opportunities for research in advanced exercise physiology and nutrition. You’ll learn to critically evaluate research literature and to enhance problem solving, research and laboratory skills. This focused area of study may be appropriate if your undergraduate work was in disciplines such as physical therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, biology or physical education.

Research opportunities are available in pulmonary, muscle or circulatory physiology and exercise nutrition. Many students have contributed to our field’s body of knowledge by publishing the results of their work in refereed journals.

To apply for the specialization, you’ll need the equivalent of a one-term, university-level course in each of the following areas: general physiology, statistics, biomechanics of movement, exercise physiology, anatomy, calculus, computer science and two semesters of physics and chemistry. If you don’t meet the requirements for one or more of the courses, you may still apply and can be admitted to the program contingent on completion of the prerequisites and with faculty permission.